Matthew Barzal – McKeen's Hockey

CHL Canada- Russia series: WHL prospects shine, providing some solid WJC auditions

Andy Levangie — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 17:59:41 +0000

Photo; Marissa Baeker

Team WHL started game one like they were shot from a cannon. Their speed was evident and their puck pursuit was tenacious. They were virtually uncontested in transition and through the neutral ice, making for easy entries and lots of offensive zone time for the WHL. It looked for two periods as though Russia didn’t have an answer, showing very little push back.

The way they were playing no one could tell that Russia had been on Canadian soil almost a week already, to combat there expected jet lag. After two periods and a goalie change, Russia had staked Team WHL a six goal lead, as the Dub looked to have game one under control. However, the Russian’s outscored Canada three to one in the third period and began laying the groundwork for a far more competitive game two.

As head coach Dave Lowry said:

“They played the third period how we expect them to start (the next) game… Let’s not take anything away from the way they started the third… At the end of the day you can’t not like the effort and the result”

The head coach was right, a win is a win, and pretty dominant one at that, but game two was a different story and the coach’s speculation for Kamloops was correct. Lowry shuffles his lines and rewarded two of his standout forwards from game 1 sliding Collin Shirley and Deven Sideroff on either side of Matthew Barzal on the “top line” for team WHL. Feeding off their home crowd they were one of the best lines in game two.

Skating to a relatively even first period Russia went toe to toe, keeping Team WHL to the outside, and making life much easier for Maxim Tretiak in goal. Proving to be far more stable in game two, Russia looked more confident from the crease out. Canada opened the scoring on a scramble around the crease that was banged home by some good hand-eye co-ordination from Jansen Harkins (#47 WPG 2015).

Two back-to-back defensive breakdowns right in front of the WHL net led to quick goals by Russia. Sideroff had a great individual effort to even up the score 2-2 by the end of the second. Team WHL would not be denied, outshooting Russia 12-5 and taking the lead with 3:13 left, on a great individual effort by an otherwise quiet Jayce Hawryluk (#32 FLA 2014). Choosing a great time step up and seal the game. Coach Lowry called it the day before, and echoed the sentiment after game two.

“We saw what we expected to see (from Russia), we stuck with it and got better as the game went on”

Goalies:

Some were surprised to see two draft eligible goalies out of the three chosen for the WHL leg of this series. Experienced or not, the selection was deserve given their WHL performance this season. Goaltending is wide open for the upcoming World Junior Tournament and the WHL contingent should strongly be considered.

Zach Sawchenko (2016):

Locked in from the get go with very few Russian chances occurring in the first half, handling most everything that was thrown his way with ease… Looks big in the net, challenges shooters well... A big reason for Moose Jaw’s resurgence.

Carter Hart (2016):

Coming in in relief is never easy when your team is rolling, and would likely want another chance at the 9 shots he faced, surrendering three goals… His season to date boasts a 1.93 GAA and .933 SV%, which are tops among non-over-age goalies in the WHL.

Adin Hill (ARI 2014 #76):

Lowry clearly showed confidence in Hill, and despite his teams struggles this year he boasts a more than respectable .926 SV% with three shutouts... His big frame fills the net, relying on position to block pucks… Covers the bottom of net well and doesn’t give up big holes…

Lowry liked what he saw:

“he was in a zone tonight and we didn’t want to get him out of rhythm… We left the door open(for a switch) but we had talked about through the evaluation process there was chance one guy was going to get a game, that was the case tonight.”

Defense:

Joe Hicketts (Signed DET):

Returning from last years team, his ice time and situational play (EV,PP,PK) at the WHL leg of the Super Series, proves he will be depended on this holiday season by his Victoria Royals head coach... Small in stature but plays an impressive physical game matching up against bigger opponents with a strong lower body… Sound positioning with good agility and four-way movement. A complete player with and without the puck… His Coach knows his game well, entrusting him to mentor the younger D on Team WHL in both games.

Brandon Guhle (#51 BUF 2015):

Makes a strong case for himself with slick skating. Displays less flash, but plays a really solid all around/two-way game. A dependable player any coach would love to have. Makes a good first pass and defends really well on the wall and down low… provides a shutdown presence, but questions arise about his ability to contribute in all areas of play.

Photo: Marissa Baeker

Haydn Fleury (#7 CAR 2014):

Could be considered the best defender over the two games, skates well and imposes his physical will on others… Keeps opposing offences to the perimeter and possesses a long and effective reach breaking up plays… Fires a quick and powerful point shot, working the line with good instincts and improving agility….

Noah Juulsen (#26 MTL 2015):

Brings a lot of the same qualities as Guhle, with some offensive upside… A quick and much improved decision maker who quells trouble with a few efficient skating strides… Thinks well in unison with his feet, stays fluid and creates play-making options… He sees the ice with above average IQ, plays quickly in transition starting the rush and leading sustained zone time… Could certainly be an asset on the hybrid international ice in Finland with some extra room to push the pace.

______________

There were a lot of options from a defensively strong WHL, an intriguing inclusion were some highly touted NHL draft prospects, Jake Bean & Kale Clague. These defensemen both split time with Hicketts and were thrust into important roles against a big Russian team with some varying results. With so many valuable options it would seem Hockey Canada was challenging these young men; look for them at the U18 in April.

Jake Bean (2016):

Showed offensive upside, an ability to break out on the rush and a knack for jumping into the play. Bean’s skating was a big asset, however at times he looked over-matched defending and had some issues with positioning and physical play down low... He should get his shot one-day, but in World Junior tournament full of 19-year-olds he looks to be a year or two away, until he rounds out defensively.

Kale Clague (2016):

Shows some really strong offensive instincts and releases pucks off his stick as fast and he receives them. Opened the scoring in game one by taking a cross ice pass, waiting a split second for his screen to line up, and snapping it. Defensively, Clague appeared well rounded and turned the puck over less than Bean. Strong two-way game and ability to rely on a system and less on individual play is an asset. He plays on a strong Brandon team, so showing success within a highly skilled lineup is not a surprise.

Forwards:

Brayden Point (#79 TBL 2014)

If there was any doubt about the lone returning forward from the WHL, he made an impression, elevating himself from the 13^th forward spot he occupied last year… Undersized as forwards go, his acceleration has improved… in this series he exhibited a separation gear and high speed instincts that gave him time and space to exhibit his crafty stick handling. Looked assertive on offence, driving down the wall and making timely cuts to the middle, opening space and turning defenders. Leaned on for leadership by wearing the C for the WHL. He has been tearing up the league this season, and should be a lock in a skilled top six on the World Junior team.

Matthew Barzal (#16 NYI 2015)

Flashed his usual crafty skills - lining up at the top centre spot for both games. The distributor is a strong candidate for an offensive role in December. His ability to find open wingers and tiny passing lanes can be invaluable as an offensive catalyst. High skill and offensive IQ could be especially valuable with more room to work with on the wider Finnish ice .. brings a good history of rising to the occasion when playing for Hockey Canada.

Collin Shirley (undrafted):

Lowry referenced injury replacements and their chance to make an impression to Team Canada brass. Shirley certainly gave scouts something to think about with a strong showing over two games, with one goal and four assists. He complemented the creativity of Barzal & Point really well. Although he’s a long shot to make the team, the ability to play with highly skilled players isn’t always easy (see Crosby and Kunitz in Sochi).

Deven Sideroff (#83 ANA 2015):

Shirley’s running mate in both games was none other than his Kamloops teammate. He hasn’t been blessed with the greatest teams throughout his WHL career, but he looks intelligent on the ice, a trait that bodes well on a team of highly skilled player. He fit in well in this structure and attacked the net with strong drive .. possesses a good shot and plays determined, especially in front of the net.

With a strong OHL crop, and some serious size and skill turning heads in the QMJHL I don’t expect a massive showing of WHL forwards on the upcoming World Junior team. While the WHL is historically known for its quality defenders, you could see names at all positions making this team. Not to mention the players who were selected for this team and had to withdraw due to injury (Rourke Chartier, Travis Sanheim, Dillon Dube, John Quenneville & Jake DeBrusk). If they are all healthy, it makes the Scouts and Coaches from Hockey Canada’s job that much more difficult. Looking forward to the coming weeks of hockey and finding out which players become household names when the puck drops in December in Finland.

2015 NHL Draft Guide: Top 5 Stickhandlers

Grant McCagg — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:59:34 +0000

Best stickhandler

No one in junior hockey came close to matching McDavid's catalogue of sensational dekes this season. "He can do so much with the puck at top speed, his hands are incredible," noted one scout. "He is going to bring Edmonton fans out of their seats frequently with his dazzling moves and quickness."

Marner has such deft hands and patience with the puck, it makes it difficult to read what he is going to do. Barzal's speed, vision and coordination enable him to beat many opponents one-on-one, while Konecny wows the crowds, with quick feet, hands and mind. Eichel belies his size with fast feet and hands to go along with his great puck protection skills.

1. Connor McDavid

2. Mitch Marner

3. Matt Barzal

4. Travis Konecny

5. Jack Eichel\

Follow Grant on Twitter: @grantmccagg

2015 NHL Draft Guide: Top 5 Playmakers

Grant McCagg — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 12:28:30 +0000

Best playmaker

Whenever a draft eligible prospect averages close to two assist per game you are dealing with a special passer. "He's got it all in terms of playmaking," said one scout who figures Connor McDavid will regularly lead the NHL in assists. "His speed, smarts, vision and puck skills are elite...above elite. Like all the great ones he sees plays before others can process them."

Any other year Marner would be at the top of the list with his one-ice awareness and stickhandling prowess, while the crafty Merkley can make passes on the tape equally well on both his forehand and backhand. Barzal brings many of the same playmaking assets as Marner, and Strome's puck protection skills, hands and patience make him a dangerous playmaking threat.

Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

1. Connor McDavid

2. Mitch Marner

3. Nick Merkley

4. Matt Barzal

5. Dylan Strome

Follow Grant on Twitter: @grantmccagg

2015 NHL Draft Guide – Youngblood: Generational top end supported by potential stars – Part 1

Brendan Ross — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 20:22:12 +0000

Youngblood: Generational top end supported by potential stars

Comparing 2003 and 2015 draft classes

The modern day standard for comparing draft talent is undeniably the 2003 class that featured Penguins puck stopper Marc-Andre Fleury and Hurricanes captain Eric Staal at the top of the draft followed by franchise defining players like Anaheim’s duo of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry in the backend of the opening round. Shea Weber, Patrice Bergeron and Corey Crawford were second round gems while Joe Pavelski and Dustin Byfuglien were two late round stars that the ’03 crop contributed. Simply put, 2003 was a draft class that defined the current landscape of the National Hockey League providing many of the stars and role models of today’s game.

As impressive as the ’03 class was, it lacked that one generational talent that

2005 offered up when a kid from Cole Harbour named Sidney Crosby entered the draft. It was the first time since the Eric Lindros era that the hockey world would go absolutely goo-goo over a teenage phenom. Fortunately for the Pittsburgh Penguins, they won the draft lottery that year earning the right to select the headline-making kid from the Rimouski Oceanic. Crosby would eventually join a slew of high-end prospects (namely, Ryan Whitney, Marc-Andre Fleury and Evgeni Malkin) acquired by high picks after years suffering in the standings. Sound familiar?

Fast forward a decade to the 2015 draft class and the situation isn’t all that much different from Pittsburgh’s rebuild. The Edmonton Oilers will cash in their franchise-saving lottery ticket after winning the draft sweepstakes and will select Connor McDavid. Just like Crosby, McDavid is a consummate teenage professional who says and does everything with class. It’s not a matter of if McDavid will right the ship in Edmonton but more so when that upswing will occur. Like the Penguins of the mid-2000s, Edmonton has accumulated a slew of promising talents through the draft including three straight first overall selections in Taylor Hall (2010), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011) and Nail Yakupov (2012) to help command the ship alongside captain Connor McDavid and it appears there are calmer waters ahead.

At this point in time, it’s not fair to anoint this year’s draft class as strong as the players who were selected during the first round at the 2003 draft in Nashville but it’s depth is eerily similar. With Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel headlining the crop of draftees, it’s safe to conclude that this class has been dealt a better 1-2 punch than in 2003 when Fleury and Staal went first and second, respectively. Both of these young stars will be franchise saving pivots to teams lacking that one true game-changer, much like Crosby was in Steel City.

Top 10 offers high-end talent

Entering the draft season, media outlets were drooling at the chance of covering a McDavid-Eichel back-and-forth season long battle. While that was always a scenario that could play out, number 97 ended that notion quickly, separating himself from Eichel. Lets chalk that up to Connor McDavid just being exceptional that was evident by his gawdy 2.55 points-per-game regular season production and 49 points in 20 post-season game performance. Sitting alone in a tier of his own, McDavid’s separation from Eichel is all that more impressive considering the BU star had an absolute exceptional season of his own.

Behind the Erie Otters’ captain and firmly ahead of his remaining draft peers sits Jack Eichel who stepped into collegiate action with Boston University as a curly-haired, fresh-faced 18-year-old and overshadowed competitors five years his senior. Walking away with the illustrious Hobey Baker award after posting arguably the most dominant 18-year-old freshman season in modern day history, Jack Eichel is the best “consolation” prize the draft has seen in some time.

After the McDavid and Eichel tiers, consensus on the next best prospect gets cloudier with most placing several names into the mix including potential franchise defenseman Noah Hanifin, OHL scoring champ Dylan Strome and his runner-up Mitchell Marner. The first and second overall picks are virtually locked in with McDavid heading to Edmonton and Eichel off to Buffalo leaving the Arizona Coyotes with selection that will dictate how the Top 5 will unfold. Does Coyotes GM Don Maloney fancy a blueline featuring Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Noah Hanifin? That’s an appealing duo. Do the ‘Yotes snatch up the big skilled centreman that seems to be lacking in their system by selecting Dylan Strome? That option may be the best “fit” in terms of identifying team needs. Or, is Arizona tempted by Mitch Marner who showed flawless chemistry with Coyotes prospect Christian Dvorak in London and has found himself on many highlight reels over the past few seasons with future desert dog Max Domi? Don’t count out that option either. Regardless of the direction Maloney goes, Arizona’s choice will decide which tier three players are made available for the 4^th and 5^th overall spots occupied by the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes.

Stepping down into the fourth tier, the high-end talent remains prominent as a half-dozen prospects vie to crack the Top 10. The possibility seems a bit “out there” but Wheat Kings’ blueliner Ivan Provorov has pushed Noah Hanifin all season to be the top defenseman selected and there are some draft pundits that prefer the Russian imports’ poised intelligent puck-moving game over the Boston College rearguard’s mobile calculated approach. Representing the fourth collegiate freshman with Top 10 potential, Wolverines 17-year-old defender Zach Werenski is a big strong warrior that just so happens to possess advanced puck handling abilities too. For teams attempting to replicate big minute defensemen who are capable of playing in all situations Werenski must be considered early.

Seattle pivot Mathew Barzal suffered an off-ice knee injury that knocked him out of action for over a month. Upon return, Barzal trended upwards elevating his stock each time he took the ice eventually finishing off a great season as Canada’s top player at the Under-18 World Championships. Teams looking for a front-line forward outside of the Fab Four (McDavid, Eichel, Marner and Strome) need to consider Barzal as the next best talent. After graduating Steven Stamkos, Alex Galchenyuk, Nail Yakupov and Nikolay Goldobin, the Sarnia Sting have another budding star in Pavel Zacha whose package might be the best of any forward not named McDavid or Eichel. The big, nasty skilled Czech struggled with consistency in his North American debut and posted pedestrian numbers but given his pro size, powerful skating, feared physicality and elite shot, Zacha has shown worthy of being a lottery pick. Cut from similar cloth as Zacha, Finland’s Mikko Rantanen is a potential Top 5 pick whose size, deft puck touch and lethal shot have him trending as worthy target.

Joining Barzal, Zacha and Rantanen up front as justified top 10 selections is World Junior standout Lawson Crouse. Due to his middling offensive numbers, Lawson Crouse has been the draft’s whipping boy. The big bodied winger will always be tagged an elite defensive player first-and-foremost but that’s not to say he’s even begun to tap into an intriguing offensive ceiling. Crouse was the leading scorer on an a offensively starved Kingston Frontenacs team and elevated his offensive pace once help arrived in Sam Bennett, who returned from injury late in the season. Weighing the value of a Crouse-type player is a big challenge and that value will differ based on NHL team philosophies but at the end of the day, Crouse is a three-zone impact player with underrated skill who will be heavily considered as early as third overall.

Part 2 of Youngblood: Generational top end supported by potential stars - part 2 will be published tomorrow.

Wheeler’s Final Top 60 Prospects for the 2015 NHL Draft by League

Scott Wheeler — Tue, 05 May 2015 13:00:19 +0000

Each season, I release three instalments of my rankings of the top 60 prospects for the NHL draft. This year, these rankings will be divided by league and produced in November, February, and May, and available online at McKeen’s for the first time.

Note on the rankings: The following rankings are compiled through extensive coverage and viewings of Ottawa 67s and Gatineau Olympiques home games, which provide the chance to watch and follow a hundred or-so draft eligible players in the OHL and QMJHL who make up the majority of the top end of the draft class (especially this year in a very QMJHL-populated class) from training camps through playoffs. For prospects from the NCAA, USHL, NTDP and abroad, I make sure I have several viewings before the first publication of these rankings in November. These viewings are cumulative from this year and last (while scouting the previous class). Events viewed beyond the CHL include the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, World Junior Development Camps, the Subway Super Series, Under 17s, Under 18s, club play internationally, marquee U.S. events, college tournaments, and a heavy focus on a select few European players in SHL and Swe. Jr. games.

May’s Top 60 Prospects for the 2015 NHL Draft by League (overall ranking in brackets)

OHL:

Connor McDavid, Erie, C (#1)
Dylan Strome, Erie, C (#4)
Mitchell Marner, London, C/RW (#5)
Travis Konecny, Ottawa, C (#12)
Pavel Zacha, Sarnia, C (#13)
Lawson Crouse, Kingston, LW (#15)
Nikita Korostelev, Sarnia, RW (#34)
Mitchell Vande Sompel, Oshawa, D (#45)
Blake Speers, Sault Ste. Marie, C (#48)
Dante Salituro, Ottawa, C (#50)
Vince Dunn, Niagara, D (#53)
Mitchell Stephens, Saginaw, C (#54)
Matthew Spencer, Peterborough, D (#57)

QMJHL:

Jeremy Roy, Sherbrooke, D (#11)
Daniel Sprong, Charlottetown, RW (#16)
Evgeni Svechnikov, Cape Breton, LW (#18)
Timo Meier, Halifax, RW/C (#19)
Jakub Zboril, Saint John, D (#20)
Anthony Beauvillier, Shawinigan, C/LW (#25)
Thomas Chabot, Saint John, D (#26)
Dennis Yan, Shawinigan, LW (#28)
Filip Chlapik, Charlottetown, C (#29)
Nicholas Meloche, Baie-Comeau, D (#30)
Nathan Noel, Saint John, C (#32)
Yakov Trenin, Gatineau, LW (#33)
Dmytro Timashov, Quebec, LW/RW (#44)
Nicolas Roy, Chicoutimi, C (#55)
Alexandre Carrier, Gatineau, D (#60)

WHL:

Mathew Barzal, Seattle, C (#7)
Ivan Provorov, Brandon, D (#8)
Nick Merkley, Kelowna, C (#17)
Jansen Harkins, Prince George, C (#24)
Jake DeBrusk, Swift Current, LW (#27)
Paul Bittner, Portland, LW (#31)
Ryan Pilon, Brandon, D (#38)
Brandon Carlo, Tri-City, D (#39)
Ryan Gropp, Seattle, LW (#40)
Noah Juulsen, Everett, D (#47)
Parker Wotherspoon. Tri-City, D (#59)

United States (NCAA, USHL, NTDP):

Jack Eichel, Boston University, C (#2)
Noah Hanifin, Boston College, D (#3)
Zach Werenski, Michigan, D (#6)
Kyle Connor, Youngstown, C (#10)
Brock Boeser, Waterloo, RW (#21)
Jeremy Bracco, NTDP, RW (#22)
Colin White, NTDP, C (#23)
Thomas Novak, Waterloo, C (#35)
Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, Omaha, C (#36)
Jack Roslovic, NTDP, C/RW (#41)
Christian Fischer, NTDP, C (#42)
Jordan Greenway, NTDP, LW (#56)

Sweden (SHL, Swe. Jr.):

Oliver Kylington, AIK/Farjestad, D (#14)
Jens Looke, Brynas, RW (#37)
Jacob Larsson, Frolunda, D (#43)
Joel Eriksson Ek, Farjestad, C (#49)
Sebastian Aho, Skelleftea, D (#51)
Filip Ahl, HV71, RW (#52)
Jesper Lindgren, Modo, D (#58)

Finland:

Mikko Rantanen, TPS, RW (#9)

Slovakia:

Erik Cernak, Kosice, D (#46)

Just missed: Erik Foley, Anthony Richard, Roope Hintz, Michael Spacek, Kay Schweri, Graham Knott, Gabriel Carlsson, Ethan Bear, Rasmus Andersson, Travis Dermott, Adam Musil, Tyler Soy, Glenn Gawdin, Alex Dergachyov, Denis Gurianov, Denis Kase, Jonas Siegenthaler, Julius Nattinen, Adam Marsh, Guillaume Brisebois, Zachary Senyshyn.

Wheeler’s Top 60 Prospects for the 2015 NHL Draft by League (February)

Scott Wheeler — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 19:01:56 +0000

Each season, I release three instalments of my rankings of the top 60 prospects for the NHL draft. This year, these rankings will be divided by league and produced in November, February and May (prior to the draft itself) and available online at McKeen’s for the first time.

Note on the rankings: The following rankings are compiled through extensive coverage and viewings of Ottawa 67s and Gatineau Olympiques home games, which provide the chance to watch and follow a hundred or-so draft eligible players in the OHL and QMJHL who make up the majority of the top end of the draft class (especially this year in a very QMJHL-populated class) from training camps through playoffs. For prospects from the NCAA, USHL, NTDP and abroad, I make sure I have several viewings before the first publication of these rankings in November. These viewings are cumulative from this year and last (while scouting the previous class). Events viewed beyond the CHL include the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, World Junior Development Camps, the Subway Super Series, Under 17s, Under 18s, club play internationally, marquee U.S. events and a heavy focus on a select few European players in SHL and Swe. Jr. games.

February’s Top 60 Prospects for the 2015 NHL Draft by League (overall ranking in brackets)

OHL:

Connor McDavid, Erie, C (#1)
Dylan Strome, Erie, C (#4)
Mitchell Marner, London, C (#5)
Pavel Zacha, Sarnia, C (#12)
Travis Konecny, Ottawa, C (#14)
Lawson Crouse, Kingston, LW (#15)
Nikita Korostelev, Sarnia, RW (#29)
Matthew Spencer, Peterborough, D (#46)
Mitchell Vande Sompel, Oshawa, D (#51)
Blake Speers, Sault Ste. Marie, C (#52)
Dante Salituro, Ottawa, C (#54)
Vince Dunn, Niagara, D (#57)

QMJHL:

Jeremy Roy, Sherbrooke, D (#13)
Daniel Sprong, Charlottetown, RW (#16)
Evgeni Svechnikov, Cape Breton, LW (#18)
Jakub Zboril, Saint John, D (#19)
Anthony Beauvillier, Shawinigan, C/LW (#24)
Filip Chlapik, Charlottetown, C (#25)
Timo Meier, Halifax, RW/C (#26)
Thomas Chabot, Saint John, D (#28)
Dennis Yan, Shawinigan, LW (#30)
Nathan Noel, Saint John, C (#34)
Nicolas Meloche, Baie-Comeau, D (#35)
Yakov Trenin, Gatineau, LW (#38)
Guillaume Brisebois, Acadie-Bathurst, D (#47)
Dmytro Timashov, Quebec, LW/RW (#48)
Nicolas Roy, Chicoutimi, C (#49)
Alexandre Carrier, Gatineau, D (59)

WHL:

Ivan Provorov, Brandon, D (#7)
Mathew Barzal, Seattle, C (#8)
Nick Merkley, Kelowna, C (#11)
Jansen Harkins, Prince George, C (#23)
Jake DeBrusk, Swift Current, LW (#27)
Ryan Pilon, Brandon, D (#32)
Brandon Carlo, Tri-City, D (#33)
Paul Bittner, Portland, LW (#39)
Ryan Gropp, Seattle, LW (#40)
Noah Juulsen, Everett, D (#45)
Adam Musil, Red Deer, C (#50)

United States (NCAA, USHL, NTDP):

Jack Eichel, Boston University, C (#2)
Noah Hanifin, Boston College, D (#3)
Zach Werenski, Michigan, D (#6)
Kyle Connor, Youngstown, C (#17)
Jeremy Bracco, NTDP, RW (#20)
Brock Boeser, Waterloo, RW (#21)
Colin White, NTDP, C (#22)
Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, Omaha, C (#36)
Thomas Novak, Waterloo, C (#37)
Jordan Greenway, NTDP, LW (#41)
Christian Fischer, NTDP, C (#43)

Sweden (SHL, Swe. Jr.):

Oliver Kylington, AIK/Farjestad, D (#9)
Jens Looke, Brynas, RW (#31)
Jacob Larsson, Frolunda, D (#44)
Filip Ahl, HV71, RW (#53)
Sebastian Aho, Skelleftea, D (#56)
Jesper Lindgren, Modo, D (#58)

Finland:

Mikko Rantanen, TPS, RW (#10)
Roope Hintz, Ilves, RW (#60)

Slovakia:

Erik Cernak, Kosice, D (#42)

Czech Republic:

Michael Spacek, HC Pardubice, RW (#55)

Just missed: Mitchell Stephens, Anthony Richard, Kay Schweri, Graham Knott, Gabriel Carlsson, Ethan Bear, Rasmus Andersson, Travis Dermott, Tyler Soy, Glenn Gawdin, Alex Dergachyov, Denis Gurianov, Denis Kase, Jonas Siegenthaler, Julius Nattinen, Adam Marsh, Parker Wotherspoon.

If you have any questions regarding a player, or his ranking, don’t hesitate to contact me @scottcwheeler. Be sure to check out the latest edition of the McKeen’s 2015 Top 30 NHL Draft Rankings as well.

Wheeler’s Top 60 Prospects for the 2015 NHL Draft by League (November)

Scott Wheeler — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 16:22:15 +0000

Each season, I release three installments of my rankings of the top 60 prospects for the NHL draft. This year, these rankings will be divided by league and produced in November, February and May (prior to the draft itself) and available online at McKeen’s for the first time.

Note on the rankings: The following rankings are compiled through extensive coverage and viewings of Ottawa 67s and Gatineau Olympiques home games, which provide the chance to watch and follow a hundred or-so draft eligible players in the OHL and QMJHL who make up the majority of the top end of the draft class (especially this year in a very QMJHL-populated class) from training camps through playoffs. For prospects from the NCAA, USHL, NTDP and abroad, I make sure I have several viewings before the first publication of these rankings in November. These viewings are cumulative from this year and last (while scouting the previous class). Events viewed beyond the CHL include the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, World Junior Development Camps, the Subway Super Series, Under 17s, Under 18s, club play internationally, marquee U.S. events and a heavy focus on a select few European players in SHL and Swe. Jr. games.

November’s Top 60 Prospects for the 2015 NHL Draft by League (overall ranking in brackets)

OHL:

Connor McDavid, Erie, C (#1)
Dylan Strome, Erie, C (#4)
Mitchell Marner, London, C (#5)
Pavel Zacha, Sarnia, C (#7)
Travis Konecny, Ottawa, C (#12)
Lawson Crouse, Kingston, LW (#15)
Nikita Korostelev, Sarnia, RW (#26)
Matthew Spencer, Peterborough, D (#41)
Blake Speers, Sault Ste. Marie, C (#45)
Graham Knott, Niagara, LW (#46)
Mitchell Stephens, Saginaw, C/RW (#48)
Dante Salituro, Ottawa, C (#53)
Vince Dunn, Niagara, D (#54)
Mitchell Vande Sompel, Oshawa, D (#57)

QMJHL:

Daniel Sprong, Charlottetown, RW (#11)
Evgeni Svechnikov, Cape Breton, LW (#16)
Jeremy Roy, Sherbrooke Phoenix, D (#17)
Jakub Zboril, Saint John, D (#19)
Filip Chlapik, Charlottetown, C (#24)
Dennis Yan, Shawinigan, LW (#27)
Anthony Beauvillier, Shawinigan, C (#28)
Nicolas Roy, Chicoutimi, C (#29)
Nicolas Meloche, Baie-Comeau, D(#31)
Nathan Noel, Saint John (#32), C
Thomas Chabot, Saint John, D (#42)
Yakov Trenin, Gatineau, LW (#43)
Guillaume Brisebois, Acadie-Bathurst, D (#44)
Alexandre Carrier, Gatineau, D (#60)

WHL:

Matthew Barzal, Seattle, C (#6)
Nick Merkley, Kelowna, RW (#10)
Ivan Provorov, Brandon, D (#22)
Jansen Harkins, Prince George, C (#23)
Ryan Pilon, Brandon, D (#30)
Paul Bittner, Portland, LW (#33)
Adam Musil, Red Deer, C (#35)
Ryan Gropp, Seattle, LW (#36)
Jake DeBrusk, Swift Current, LW (#37)
Brandon Carlo, Tri-City, D (#39)
Noah Juulsen, Everett, D (#52)
Ethan Bear, Seattle, D (#58)

United States (NCAA, USHL, NTDP):

Jack Eichel, Boston University, C (#2)
Noah Hanifin, Boston College, D (#3)
Kyle Connor, Youngstown, C (#9)
Zach Werenski, Michigan, D (#13)
Colin White, NTDP, C (#14)
Brock Boeser, Waterloo, C (#20)
Jeremy Bracco, NTDP, RW (#21)
Jordan Greenway, NTDP, LW (#25)
Tom Novak, Waterloo, C (#34)
Christian Fischer, NTDP, C (#38)
Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Omaha, C (#51)

Sweden (SHL, Swe. Jr.):

Oliver Kylington, Farjestad, D (#8)
Jacob Larsson, Frolunda Jr., D (#40)
Filip Ahl, HV71 Jr., RW (#47)
Gabriel Carlsson, Linkoping Jr., D (#50)
Jesper Lindgren, Modo Jr., D (#59)

Finland:

Mikko Rantanen, TPS Turku, RW (#18)
Julius Nattinen, JYP, C (#49)

Czech Republic:

Michael Spacek, HC Pardubice, RW(#55)

Slovakia:

Erik Cernak, Kosice, D (#56)

Jake Virtanen comfortable shouldering hype, expectations

McKeen's Staff — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 11:18:55 +0000

Jake Virtanen always met the bar no matter how high it was placed.

The product of Abbotsford, B.C. has a compelling story to which he continues to add. A dual Canadian-Finnish citizen, Virtanen joined the Calgary Hitmen two years ago with a lot of fanfare and high expectations. Those expectations mounted entering his sophomore season and the burly winger didn’t disappoint.

During his bantam season, Virtanen hoped he would be drafted in the first or second round by a Western Hockey League team. In this instance, his expectations were lower than that of the Hitmen, who made him the first player chosen in 2011. A childhood friend of his, Matthew Barzal, followed in his footsteps as the first pick in the 2012 draft by Seattle.

Virtanen is that special breed of forward that mixes a sniper’s touch with a physical game. He compares his playing style to Rick Nash’s.

Although Virtanen holds a Canadian and Finnish passport, he grew up in Canada and has never been to Finland and hopes to represent Canada in future international tournaments. He feels he plays a Canadian style.

“I play a gritty game,” he said in January. “I think Finnish players are more skilled. It’s a different game. (The Finnish style is) completely different from the Canadian and American game. I think they play an East-West game and we play a North-South game. They have all the crazy breakouts. We just go down and we try to take pucks to the net.”

That style is commendable but may have caught up to Virtanen. He underwent successful shoulder surgery in late May, which will sideline him anywhere from late September to late November.

Photo by Brad Watson

Jake Virtanen (2014), RW

Budding power forward exploded with 45 goals this year marking a 29 goal improvement over his rookie season of 2012-13 .. former 2011 1st overall WHL bantam pick is a dynamic and lighting quick skater .. won both the forward and backwards 30 metre sprint at the Top Prospect Game testing .. sensational ability to create time and space for himself with deceiving change of pace and bursts of acceleration .. seems to do more with his skating ability .. despite quick hands his effectiveness is diminished by his passing efficiency and play selection .. very reactive player that doesn’t seem to anticipate the game, rather responds to it .. hockey sense routinely comes into question .. wicked release and can shoot on the fly without breaking stride .. at his best when he intimidates with his speed, driving defenders on their heels and engaging in 1 on 1 situations .. still needs to adopt better structure, playing a scattered game while gravitating to and over-fixating on the puck .. improved this year defensively playing with more determination, blocking shots and being involved physically .. Virtanen has the size and skating ability to satisfy a role in the NHL however he will infuriate top players as he does not always distribute the puck in a timely manner.